Tag: housing

Council ‘on the right track’ to deal with Edinburgh’s housing crisis

Housing, Homelessness and Fair Work Convener, Cllr Tim Pogson writes: “In November 2023, we took the significant step of declaring a housing emergency here in Edinburgh – the first city in Scotland to do so. 

Our city continues to face unprecedented demand for housing, amidst challenging market conditions, ongoing budget pressures and insufficient funding from the Scottish Government. Declaring an emergency was a call to action and now over two years on, there is clear evidence that this call is being answered.

The Council’s Housing Emergency Action Plan (HEAP) provides a focused and pragmatic response. Built around two themes – increasing housing supply and addressing demand for housing – the plan recognises both the immediate pressures facing households and the structural challenges that have built up over many years.

I’m pleased to report that progress against both of these themes has been considerable over the past 12 months.

I should say that this is completely at odds with some of the misleading commentary we’ve seen in the media and elsewhere – based it would seem on a complete (and in some cases wilful) misinterpretation of council reporting. To be absolutely clear, the Council does not have a £60 million underspend in housing and, no, we won’t be giving it to Glasgow. 

This fictitious figure came from the sum of £45 million for temporary accommodation, which are now being purchased from a different fund, and £15m to reflect a revised spending profile across a number of new housing developments, all of which are still progressing to plan. In short, the money is being spent and the houses built. 

This year alone, the Council has completed construction of 459 new homes and purchased of an additional 278 ‘off the shelf’. This represents the single biggest annual increase in our housing stock in recent years and more than double the amount delivered in any of the last five years.

Major development milestones have also been reached across the city, with business cases approved for Granton Waterfont (phase 1), Fountainbridge and Meadowbank – which together will deliver 2,000 new homes for the city. 

We’ve also reduced the number of void properties by over 60% from when the Housing Emergency was declared, making more homes available to let – bringing much needed homes back into use.

Looking forward, our ambitious budget strategy, which councillors will debate on 26 February, places housing at the heart of our plans, with a £1.6 billion investment in affordable homes proposed over the next five years.

This would represent one of the largest housing interventions by a local authority in modern times, and all deliverable before the Scottish Government’s new Home Agency even puts a spade in the ground.

While there is still much to do, the progress we’ve made in tackling the housing emergency shows that sustained action, partnership working, and political commitment can make a real difference.

Pressures remain acute, and the scale of the challenge should not be underestimated, but our direction of travel is clear.

This article first appeared in the Evening News on 4 February

£8.2m taxpayer bill for Edinburgh mould crisis revealed in FOI as complaints soar

A recent survey has revealed that one-third of Scottish social housing tenants lack confidence that their landlord will fix damp and mould, with thousands of complaints being made in recent years. 

Between 2021 and 2022, there were at least 14,451 complaints made to local authorities in Scotland, a 19 per cent increase on the year before.

Now, new Freedom of Information (FOI) data sourced by the home experts at Hillarys has revealed that the City of Edinburgh Council has spent more than £8.2 million tackling damp and mould in homes since 2024. The findings reveal that mould and damp complaints in the capital soared by +52% between 2022 (1,215) and 2024 (1,849), as residents report nearly five cases a day.

And while new regulation is set to be introduced from October, enforcing fixed timeframes for social landlords to investigate and start prevention works to address damp and mould, the experts at Hillarys have shared advice on how households can tackle the problem at home while many tenants are still waiting for repairs to be carried out.

Edinburgh Council’s spending on damp and mould in homes

Month20242025Grand Total
January148,000314,000462,000
February244,000352,000596,000
March252,000353,000605,000
April360,000254,000614,000
May291,000436,000727,000
June343,000423,000766,000
July343,000274,000617,000
August313,000367,000680,000
September514,000410,000924,000
October310,000395,000705,000
November589,000301,000890,000
December393,000264,000657,000
Total4,100,0004,143,000£8,243,000

Hillarys Freedom of Information (FOI) request has uncovered that the City of Edinburgh Council has spent £8,243,000 tackling mould and damp across homes in the capital between 2024 and 2025, or £4.1m per year on average.

Edinburgh residents make 143 complaints a month about mould and damp in the capital’s housing stock

In 2022, the council responded to 1,215 reports of damp and mould, soaring by +52% to 1,849 in 2024 and 1,591 in 2025.3 Overall, the council recorded 3,440 cases between 2024 and 2025, equivalent to 143 reports per month or nearly 5 complaints each day.

Edinburgh Council currently reports an average resolution time of 42 calendar days, or six weeks, from the date damp or mould is reported to the completion of treatment work. This is significantly higher than the framework that will be enforced in the autumn, where significant damp and mould must be investigated within 10 working days and made safe within five.

Why are Scottish homes more prone to damp and mould?

Nearly one in ten homes has some incidence of damp or mould in Scotland (9-10%),  compared to 4-5% of homes in England, indicating that while England has a higher total number of homes with damp, the percentage of households affected in Scotland is higher.5,6

One in ten Scottish households is impacted by damp or mould

Households in Scotland are particularly affected due to a combination of cold, wet weather, older buildings and the high cost of heating, which limits proper ventilation. In fact, a recent analysis of EPC data by Hillarys found that the ten most expensive regions to heat nationwide are all in Scotland.

Households in the Highland region pay £1,902 per year on average for heating, with the region found to have the fourth-highest proportion of homes with an Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) rating of D or lower (63.42).

Victoria Robinson, product expert at Hillarys, has shared how households can tackle the problem at home and when to seek professional advice: “Proper household maintenance is incredibly important for preventing and treating mould.

“With good ventilation from opening windows and using extractor fans where possible, you can reduce the risk of mould and dampness. If you spot mould in your home, the first step is to carefully clean the affected areas by using detergents, white vinegar or mould removers and eliminating dampness at the source.

“Cleaning your own home is important and cost-effective, but sometimes it is not enough to fix mould problems. If mould is present in large areas, normally more than 1m2,  or you find recurring mould patches, musty odours or structural damage, it is time to call in a professional or escalate with your landlord before further damage to your health and home occurs.”

 https://www.hillarys.co.uk/blinds-range/. 

Royal Bank of Scotland sets £10 billion funding ambition for social housing

  • The Royal Bank of Scotland has announced, through its parent NatWest Group, that it has provided more than £25 billion* in commercial loans and capital market support to the UK social housing sector between 1 January 2018 and 31 December 2025.  
  • Bank has delivered on its social housing lending ambition of £7.5 billion from 2024 to 2026 a year early, which includes lending to Kingdom Housing Association in Fife last year. 

The Royal Bank of Scotland has today announced an updated package of £10 billion of funding to the UK social housing sector before the end of 2028, which when deployed will bring the total funding to social housing in the UK to over £35 billion* since 2018.  

Through this new ambition, the bank is aiming to support the delivery and maintenance of social housing in the UK, which is vital to the people and families who rely on affordable housing, as well as the wider economy. The Royal Bank of Scotland has worked with not-for-profit housing associations across Scotland to support their growth and development plans building homes and communities for many years. 

The bank also confirmed it has now provided more than £25 billion* of funding into the social housing sector since 2018, helping to create and sustain affordable homes nationwide.

The Royal Bank of Scotland aims to support the delivery and upkeep of social housing across the UK, helping housing associations build new homes, upgrade existing properties, and improve living conditions. Some of this lending can help fund energy efficiency and environmental improvements, including retrofit projects. Other funding can help the housing associations sector to deliver a pipeline of new homes and improve living conditions in existing properties. 

Paul Thwaite, CEO NatWest Group comments: “We are incredibly proud to announce the early achievement of our £7.5 billion UK social housing lending ambition.

“Delivering this milestone a full year ahead of scheduled demonstrates our commitment to making a real difference in people’s lives by investing in the homes and communities that need it most, and shows the demand in the market.  

“Reaching this lending ambition early has enabled us to set a new target of £10 billion to year-end 2028, so we can continue to provide social housing lending and play our part in supporting the development and availability of affordable and social rent homes across the UK.”  

The announcement forms part of the bank’s new five point Growing Together plan, setting out how the bank will help build the conditions for UK wide growth: backing powerful regions, championing mid-market companies, strengthening the country’s infrastructure and housing foundations, boosting financial confidence amongst families and young people, and supporting the innovators shaping the future economy.

Drawing on its regional footprint, expertise and convening power, the bank aims to bring businesses, communities, and policymakers together to tackle structural barriers, unlock productivity and spread opportunity across the UK.

In addition to these commitments, last year the Royal Bank of Scotland announced several other initiatives and partnerships that have complemented and contributed to our social housing lending ambition being achieved. These include a financial guarantee of up to £400 million from the National Wealth Fund to cover a series of new loans from Royal Bank of Scotland to registered providers of social housing stock in the UK.  

The bank also launched a new social rent loan product to support housing associations, which are already Royal Bank of Scotland customers, to support the construction of social rent houses across the UK. In December 2025, this fund was doubled to £1 billion in response to strong demand and to help continue the delivery of homes for social rent across the country. 

These initiatives complement Royal Bank of Scotland’s ongoing dedication to supporting communities and helping to address the housing crisis. 

In December, the Royal Bank of Scotland announced £20 million in additional lending to Kingdom Housing Association (KHA) headquartered in Fife.

KHA are one of Scotland’s largest registered social landlords and manage over 7,000 homes, providing a wide range of housing, care and support services. The funding will help deliver 170 new energy efficient homes in Fife and Perth and Kinross and builds on existing lending to KHA from the bank which now totals £61 million.

Edinburgh short-term let control area has delivered NO measurable housing benefit, new FOI reveals

ASSC warns other local authorities in Scotland considering comparable schemes

A Freedom of Information response has confirmed that the City of Edinburgh Council holds NO EVIDENCE that its Short-Term Let Planning Control Area has delivered any measurable improvement in housing supply, affordability or market outcomes since it was introduced in 2022.

The findings, released today by the Association of Scotland’s Self-Caterers (ASSC), raises serious questions for other local authorities, including Highland and Fife Councils, that are actively considering introducing similar controls.

In response to the FOI request, Edinburgh Council confirmed it does not hold any quantitative data, impact assessments or evaluations showing improvements in overall housing availability, affordable housing supply, property sale prices or private rental costs since the Planning Control Area (PCA) was implemented.

It also confirmed that no internal or external review has been carried out to assess whether the policy has worked.  

When asked about empty homes and second homes, the Council relied solely on broad Scottish Government statistics published at whole local authority level, rather than providing any analysis specific to the PCA itself.

At the same time, independent market data shows that housing costs have continued to rise. Average property prices across Edinburgh and the wider region increased by more than 4% in 2025, while private rents in the Lothians remain among the highest in Scotland and continue to climb year on year.

The ASSC has described the findings as a clear example of regulation introduced without an evidence base and maintained without proof of success.

In response, it reiterated its call for an independent post-implementation review of the Edinburgh STL PCA and for housing policy to focus on proven solutions, including new build delivery and targeted empty homes initiatives.

The ASSC is also appealing for an immediate pause on the further expansion of PCAs until there is clear, localised and transparent evidence that they actually work. The leading trade body warned that other councils should pause and reflect before following Edinburgh’s lead.

Fiona Campbell MBE, Chief Executive of the Association of Scotland’s Self-Caterers, said: “This FOI response confirms something deeply troubling. A major planning intervention has been introduced, enforced and defended without any evidence that it actually delivers housing benefit. That is not how good policy should be made.

“The facts completely undermine the narrative surrounding this policy. Since the STL Planning Control Area was introduced in Edinburgh, house prices and rents have continued to rise with no sign of improved affordability or increased supply. All that’s happened in nearly three and a half years of operation is increased costs and disruption to small businesses.

“For other councils like Highland and Fife mulling similar schemes, the risks are significant. These controls can damage local tourism economies, undermine small family-run businesses and reduce visitor spend, without delivering the housing benefits that are often promised. Edinburgh’s experience should be act as a cautionary tale, not a template.

“If a policy cannot demonstrate that it has achieved its stated objectives, the answer is not to double down but to reassess. Scotland needs housing solutions that genuinely increase supply and affordability, not ill-conceived ideological measures driven by assumption which only serve to raise false hopes within local communities.”

Independent Age comments on latest private renting statistics

The Scottish Household Survey (SHS) is an annual survey of over 10,000 households. It covers a range of different topics including your home, your neighbourhood and your views on local public services.

The Scottish Government, local councils and various charities use the results to improve the lives of people in your area and across Scotland. The survey has been running since 1999 and is independent of all political parties.

The latest survey was published yesterday.

Commenting on statistics released today in the Scottish Household Survey Debbie Horne, Scotland Policy and Public Affairs Manager for Independent Age said: “Older people now make up 13% of all private renters across Scotland.

“Privately renting in later life can be difficult, especially when living on a low, fixed income. Almost one in three (32%) older private renters live in poverty. With a growing proportion of the private rented sector made up of older people, it’s vital the Scottish government ensures renters of all ages, including those who are older, can live securely.

“With the Holyrood election fast approaching, we’re calling on all parties standing for election to commit to policies to support older renters in their manifesto. Over 25,000 pensioners are on the waiting list for a social home in Scotland, with almost three quarters (74%) waiting over a year.

“The next Government must build more affordable social housing. They must also improve access to, and increase funding for, Discretionary Housing Payments. These can help make up the shortfall between Housing Benefit and rental costs.

“They are vital to avoid older people making dangerous cutbacks on essentials like food and heating to be able to afford their rent, but most older people who could potentially access them are unaware they exist.”

New housing agency to deliver simplicity, scale and speed

Accelerating housebuilding across Scotland

First Minister John Swinney has confirmed the Scottish Government intends to establish a new national housing agency with a focus on simplicity, scale and speed to enable the delivery of housing of all types, helping to meet housing need across Scotland.  

The executive agency will be called ‘More Homes Scotland’ and is expected to start operating from 2027-28 and be fully functional in 2028-29, subject to the outcome of the Scottish Parliament election. 

It will focus on a number of key areas – large-scale affordable housing projects; rural and island housing; acquiring, preparing and releasing land; enabling infrastructure work to unlock stalled sites; and closer working with the Scottish National Investment Bank to make best use of private finance.  

A process to co-design the functions and operating model of the new agency will be led by the Cabinet Secretary for Housing in partnership with local authorities and the Scottish National Investment Bank over the coming months, with an update expected to be provided to the Scottish Parliament in March.  

The First Minister made the announcement on a visit to a housing development in Wallyford, East Lothian alongside Housing Secretary Màiri McAllan. The 90-home site, developed by Wheatley Homes, includes mid-market and social rented homes.  

The First Minister said: “Since 2007, the Scottish Government has supported the delivery of 141,000 affordable homes in Scotland, including 101,000 for social rent – proportionately far more than other parts of the UK.

“We have helped thousands of families to have a warm, safe and affordable place to call home. However, Scotland is facing a housing emergency. We recognise the difficulty that many Scots – in particular young Scots - have finding a home they can afford to rent or buy.   

“We have firm foundations and have recently stepped up our efforts. The 2026-27 draft Scottish Budget includes the single largest funding allocation to affordable housing since records began in 1989.

“We have committed to invest up to £4.9 billion over the next four years, backed by a record £4.1 billion of public investment, helping to deliver 36,000 affordable homes and providing a place to live for around 24,000 children. This is providing record funding and more multi-year certainty than ever before

“This, along with other policy measures, has given confidence to the investment community. However, we must have a public sector delivery model that can rise to our enhanced ambitions.

“A new national agency will mean less duplication, greater expertise, increased efficiencies, and making our substantial investment go further. It will also provide enhanced support to our local authority partners and we will work in partnership with the Scottish National Investment Bank to attract more commercial investment.

“It is a new body that will offer simplicity, scale and speed – boosting delivery, and maximising savings, as part of our commitment to a decade of public sector modernisation and reform.  

“More Homes Scotland will meet the needs of this time. It will deliver – for a new generation of Scots – new homes more quickly, more affordably, in more liveable, climate friendly communities.”  

David Ritchie Scottish National Investment Bank Chief Executive David Ritchie said: “The Bank has invested more than £130 million in housing to date, with a robust pipeline of more potential housing investments.

“We welcome More Homes Scotland being established to bring momentum in finding housing solutions.

“As a mission-led investor, the Bank makes commercial investments that drive long-term societal and economic growth for Scotland. Our ‘Place’ mission is focused on improving communities, and a good home is a key tenet of that.

“Working with private investors and homebuilders we have developed innovative approaches to unlock finance, getting much-needed homes built across Scotland.”  

Housing Emergency Action Plan  

£21million contract recommended for approval for retrofit and upgrades at Craigmillar and Peffermill Court

Project forms part of the Council’s wider Strategic Investment Plan for high-rise buildings and will bring both blocks up to modern standards

 Thurday’s meeting of the Finance and Resources Committee recommended the approval of a £21 million contract to Kier Construction to deliver a comprehensive retrofit and upgrade programme at Craigmillar Court and Peffermill Court, two 15 floor blocks in East Edinburgh.

Built in 1968, the two floor blocks currently have no insulation, making homes difficult and expensive to heat. The retrofit will introduce extensive external wall insulation, dramatically improving thermal performance and helping homes retain heat more effectively. These upgrades are expected to create warmer living spaces and reduce heating costs for residents throughout the year.

To further improve indoor air quality and tackle long-standing issues with damp and mould, each flat will be fitted with a mechanical ventilation and heat recovery (MVHR) system. This will provide a continuous supply of fresh air while retaining heat, supporting healthier and more comfortable homes.

Other improvements include:

  • fire safety enhancements including installation of new fire doors, sprinkler systems in every flat and a dedicated firefighting lift in each block
  • existing bin chutes will be removed and replaced with a new on-site waste strategy
  • security will also be strengthened through the installation of a comprehensive CCTV system, covering all stairwells and common lobby landings
  • almost all mechanical, electrical and plumbing (MEP) services will be replaced where they have reached the end of their life or are difficult to maintain
  • larger, brighter entrance lobbies, increased natural light and new canopies to provide shelter from the weather. Concierge facilities will be significantly upgraded
  • new and improved shared spaces will encourage interaction between residents and support activities with the wider community, making better use of previously underutilised areas within the buildings.

The surrounding environment will also be transformed, with:

  • additional tree planting
  • relocated and expanded allotments
  • a renovated and improved play park
  • realigned parking and improved access between both blocks
  • new waste and recycling facilities

Craigmillar Court and Peffermill Court each contain 57 two-bedroom homes.

This major investment represents a long-term commitment to improving living conditions, reducing carbon emissions, enhancing safety and creating more welcoming, sustainable communities for current and future residents.

Housing, Homelessness and Fair Work Convener Cllr Tim Pogson, said: This £21 million investment represents a major step forward in improving the quality, safety and sustainability of our high-rise homes.

“By upgrading insulation, ventilation, fire safety and communal spaces, this project will deliver warmer, healthier and more affordable homes for residents, while also ensuring these buildings are fit for the future.”

Supporting domestic abuse victims to stay in their homes

Law change will give social landlords greater control to transfer tenancies from abusers to victims

Regulations have been laid in Parliament that will make it easier for victims of domestic abuse to remain safely in their homes with the tenancy in their name.

For the first time social landlords, rather than the victims themselves, will be allowed to take legal action to end an abuser’s tenancy.

Subject to Parliament’s approval the regulations will bring Part 2 of the Domestic Abuse (Protection) (Scotland) Act 2021 into force.

This will mean that from 1 August 2026, where conditions set out in the new law are met, social landlords will be able to apply for a court order to enable them to transfer a tenancy from an abusive tenant to their victim.

Housing Secretary Màiri McAllan said: “Domestic abuse must be eradicated from our society and as Housing Secretary I am determined to protect the housing rights of women and children.

“No one should have to choose between their safety and their home. These new regulations will give social landlords new powers to protect victims of domestic abuse and hold perpetrators to account.

“By allowing social landlords to take action on behalf of victims, we are removing a significant barrier that has forced too many people to flee their homes to escape abuse. Now, the perpetrator can be made to leave – not leaving this to the victim or survivor.

“This is an important step in our commitment to tackling domestic abuse and to supporting those affected by it to rebuild their lives.”

‘

Scottish Women’s Aid CEO Dr Marsha Scott said: “We welcome the change in the law, which we have been campaigning for.

“Housing is one of the main challenges women face when ending a relationship with an abusive partner and keeping a roof over the heads of their family and avoiding homelessness are critical pressures.

Not all can stay in their own homes safely, which is why refuge provision is so important, but for the many who could, this regulatory change will bring much-needed reform.

“This change should enable women and their children to stay in their home, their schools and the area where they often have a support network and moves the consequences of abuse where they belong – the abuser.”

Planning application paves the way for 67 new homes

Award-winning five-star housebuilder Cruden has submitted a planning application for a new residential development at Kirkton North, Livingston.

The site is currently allocated for residential development in the West Lothian local development plan and will deliver much-needed multi tenure family homes for West Lothian.

Located to the west of Livingston and just three miles from the town centre, the proposed development will provide 67 high-quality homes, including detached, semi-detached, terraced homes and cottage flats, offering accommodation from two- to five-bedroom homes.

In line with local policy, 25% of the homes will be delivered as affordable housing, supporting a balanced and inclusive community to meet a wide range of local housing needs.

Designed by EMA Architects to integrate sensitively with its surroundings, the scheme places a strong emphasis on design quality, placemaking and landscape.

The 8 acre site features retained woodland and a new neighbourhood play area, alongside enhanced pedestrian connections linking the site to nearby bus stops, paths and local amenities.

The new development also boasts excellent transport links and access to good schools and a wide range of facilities, including parks, supermarkets, a medical centre and a pharmacy.

The plans have been shaped through extensive engagement with West Lothian Council and the local community, with feedback from pre-application consultation events directly influencing the final layout, housing mix and open space provision. The development will also deliver energy-efficient homes designed to meet modern building standards, helping to support more sustainable living.

Paul Doran, Development Director at Cruden, said: “From the outset, our approach has been to create a carefully designed development that respects and enhances its surroundings, strengthens the local sense of place, and thoughtfully integrates new homes with green spaces and the existing community.

“Our proposals provide much-needed, high-quality housing for Livingston, building on our recent track record of delivering homes across a range of tenures in West Lothian. Beyond housing, the development will contribute to the vibrancy of the area, promote sustainable living, and generate long-term social and economic benefits for the wider community.”

Pending detailed planning consent, Cruden expects to start work on site in 2026.

Taxpayer cash protected as crackdown on rogue landlords expands

Hundreds of thousands of people will benefit from an expansion of a trial to tackle poor housing and protect taxpayers’ cash from rogue landlords in England

  • Around 400,000 households receiving housing support to be better protected from rogue landlords thanks to an expanded crackdown scheme.
  • After a successful trial, 41 local authorities across England will now be empowered to better protect their local communities against non-compliance.
  • Comes as local authorities will be able to recover up to 24 months of rent from landlords who flout the rules – double the previous limit thanks to the Renters’ Right Act.

The scheme – successfully trialled in three council areas – protects public money by stopping it being wasted on unsafe housing through Rent Repayment Orders.

These legal orders clamp down on landlords who operate properties without the required licence, ignore improvement notices, or leave their houses in mouldy, dire conditions, and will now be expanded to a further 38 local authorities in England – helping to drive up living standards across the country. The scheme gives councils streamlined access to Universal Credit data which is crucial for completing Rent Repayment Order applications.

One of the trial areas – Camden, North London – is using the data sharing to recover nearly £100,000 in housing support and make a fraud referral, taking taxpayer cash out of the pockets of rogue landlords and back into the public purse.

Following successful results, the scheme – led by the Department for Work and Pensions and supported by the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government – is now being expanded. This includes areas such as Enfield, where nearly 30,000 households receiving housing support are set to be better protected for the future.

This comes alongside expanded provisions under the Renters’ Rights Act allowing local authorities to seek Rent Repayment Orders for up to 24 months of rent – double the previous 12-month limit.

Minister for Social Security and Disability Sir Stephen Timms said: Thanks to this pilot, private renters in receipt of housing support will have stronger protections against landlords who fail to meet public standards.

!No one should live in unsafe or unsuitable housing. We are giving local authorities the tools they need to deter bad housing practice, and ensuring better value for money by upholding safe standards.”

Councillor Richard Olszewksi, Leader of Camden Council, said: “Everyone deserves a safe place to call home. With more than a third of households in Camden privately renting, it’s vital that we ensure landlords are meeting important safety and management standards for residents.

“This pilot helps us take further action against rogue landlords and regain the public money they wrongly pocketed. We’re investing this into more enforcement action and improving private sector housing conditions for everyone across the borough.”

Living in a decent, safe home is fundamental to health and work, and vulnerable renters who live in unsuitable accommodation are limited in their ability to take on work.

Enforcing better standards will drive up living standards through incentivising better practice in the future, as well as protecting taxpayer cash.

Justice for Tenants said: “This pilot has shown that we can deter criminality in the private rented sector and help fund housing enforcement services by making those who break the law shoulder more of the cost.

“This pilot is a massive win for all law-abiding landlords, tenants receiving public funds, the NHS, and every taxpayer in the country.”